Underdog Valadares Gaia Upsets Sp. Braga 2-0 in Women’s League Cup

An unexpected upset marked the start of the Women’s League Cup as Valadares Gaia defeated theoretically favored Sp. Braga 2-0 on the road.

The victory secured Valadares Gaia their second win in the tournament’s first phase.

Sp. Braga, playing on their home ground in the Minho region, entered the competition after a recent league draw against Sporting.

The decisive goals were scored in the first half. Laura Luís opened the scoring around the 15-minute mark.

Jennie Lakip extended Valadares Gaia’s lead in injury time before the halftime whistle. Sp. Braga could not alter the scoreline in the second half.

In other matches across the League Cup, V. Guimarães secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Marítimo.

V. Guimarães established a strong lead in the first half. Goals included an own goal by Diana Freitas, followed by strikes from Mia Foster and Irlanda Lopes.

Marítimo’s coach made four substitutions at halftime, leading to a more competitive second period. Liliana Gonçalves scored for Marítimo, but Mia Foster added another for V. Guimarães to seal the win.

Separately, Racing defeated Damaiense in a match held in the Algarve, with Nigerian forward Ezekiel scoring two goals for Racing.